mUmbo – Don’t Even Mind The Rain (2022)
Described by notable blogs as mesmerising, alternative and atmospheric, mUmbo is a trio not to be pigeon-holed. Formed two months before the first UK lockdown in 2020, multi-instrumentalists Doug MacGowan and Emma Semple came together to create “music with greater space and atmospheric texture” – a quote from our chat with them in 2021. Yet, while the formation was by a UK-based duo, recently they began collaborating with Italy-based drummer Antonio Dalé. The latest addition to their discography is the collaborative ‘Don’t Even Mind The Rain’.
Influenced by a diverse range of music, including artists like Little Feat, Ry Cooper and Widowspeak, mUmbo has an obscure uniqueness to their music. Following their track ‘Swing My Hip’, the group bring a more acoustic-inspired style to listeners. Unlike previous work, ‘Don’t Even Mind The Rain’ utilises organic drums instead of the typical synthetic beats (courtesy of Antonio Dalé). The well-textured obscurity of mUmbo can be heard in the track, yet the arrangement has a tinge of country vibes which is new to the band’s sound. Filled with a hazy ambience, mUmbo effortlessly turns your head with its ethereal tones.
Known for their ever-evolving compositions touching on elements of confidence, hope and life in its entirety, ‘Don’t Even Mind The Rain’ is a haunting single exploring regret and sadness within the more empowering topics. mUmbo explains that ‘Don’t Even Mind The Rain’ looks at the themes of “…hope, love, regret, a quiet optimism and a bright sadness. A personal song with a universal affinity.”
What I find intriguing about ‘Don’t Even Mind The Rain’ is not Semple’s surreal vocals, the message or the textured instrumentation, but how they find the delicate balance between synthetic and organic in the track. Tapping into a kaleidoscopic haunting, the band showcase their depth and emotive musicality in their ever-evolving sound.
For more from mUmbo check out their official website, Instagram and Spotify.
